Chapter 314 : Do You Have Any Troubles?

Hearing the self-deprecating tone in Fang Zhou’s voice, Han Xi felt a pang of guilt. She quickly raised her head and denied it, “No, you’re not just a nobody!”

For the first time, her usually composed face showed a trace of panic and helplessness. Han Xi looked like a child who had made a mistake, desperately seeking forgiveness.

“I’m sorry. I acted on my own. I shouldn’t have brought you here without asking for your opinion,” she admitted, her face losing its usual confident glow. In that moment, she was just a simple woman, stripped of her corporate bravado.

“I admit I had ulterior motives for not letting you use your phone. I didn’t want your ex-girlfriends to find you,” she confessed, her voice trembling. “I also admit that I can’t stand seeing you get close to other women. It drives me crazy, Fang Zhou.”

This was the first time Han Xi showed vulnerability in front of Fang Zhou, expressing her inner turmoil so directly. She hoped to be understood, to have the light that once shone on her return.

The strong woman now appeared incredibly fragile, like a delicate porcelain doll that Fang Zhou could shatter with a mere touch. And she had willingly placed herself in his hands.

Seeing her like this, Fang Zhou felt a mix of anger and compassion, as if a needle pricked his heart. He scolded her, feeling both frustrated and sympathetic. “This place is so far from the city. Even if your fears were realized, they wouldn’t get here anytime soon. Was all this really necessary?”

Her attempt to control him by taking away his freedom was infuriating. Even if she was his benefactor, she had no right to do so. He had principles to uphold.

“Moreover, I have my reasons for being kind to them,” he added.

Han Xi looked away, her gaze falling to the moving shadows on the floor, a self-mocking smile playing on her lips. “What reasons? Because they’re sweet, gentle, and understanding? Because they’re soft and tender? I get it. No man likes a strong, domineering girlfriend…”

Her words were cut short as Fang Zhou covered her mouth with his hand. His eyes bore into hers, seeming to see right through her.

Fang Zhou spoke slowly, wanting to ensure she understood every word. “I’m sharing this in confidence, though it’s unfair to them. But you need to know why.”

“First, you were there when Chu Xinran tried to harm herself. Part of the reason for her extreme actions was because of me.”

“Second, I’m kind to Qiao Sisi because she had a terrible upbringing. I feel sorry for her.”

“They were both people I once loved. I can’t just stand by and do nothing. If I can help, I will. It’s not just for their sake, but for mine too.”

In his mind, Fang Zhou added silently: Both of them have shown signs of instability. If I can help them through affection, so be it.

After finishing his explanation, Fang Zhou removed his hand, allowing Han Xi to speak again.

Her face regained some color, but she still looked unwell. “So, that’s why?”

“Yes,” Fang Zhou confirmed resolutely.

He observed Han Xi closely. She had been acting strangely these past few days, and he feared she might be on the brink of a breakdown. He needed to prevent her from reaching a dangerous point, for his own sake as well.

As he pondered, Han Xi’s voice suddenly rose. “If you can be kind to them for those reasons, what about me? Don’t I deserve the same?”

“What? What’s wrong with you?” Fang Zhou asked, puzzled by her words. “Do you have any troubles?”

From an outsider’s perspective, Han Xi seemed to live a charmed life, like a protagonist in a feel-good story. How many women could claim to reach the top of the business world before thirty? How many could manage their family business while starting their own company, earning respect and recognition from everyone?

In the common belief, money might not solve everything, but it could handle 99% of problems. Han Xi was wealthy, so what could possibly trouble her?

Fang Zhou’s confusion was clear on his face, and Han Xi could see his thoughts without effort. She sighed, a bitter smile appearing on her lips.

She stepped back, found a chair, and gestured for Fang Zhou to sit as well. “Let me tell you slowly.”

As they sat facing each other, Han Xi began her story. “You saw how my mother treated me earlier.”

“Yes,” Fang Zhou nodded, indicating he had indeed seen it.

“How did it feel?”

“It didn’t seem very warm.”

Han Xi’s smile was more of a wince. “Ever since she lost the ability to walk, her temper has become volatile, and she hardly shows any concern for me.”

“Actually, even before her condition, she wasn’t very affectionate.”

Fang Zhou’s eyes widened in shock. He couldn’t believe there were mothers who didn’t love their daughters.

“And your father?” Fang Zhou asked. In the days he had stayed here, he only heard about Han Xi’s father during her argument with her mother. He hadn’t seen or heard much about him otherwise.

Han Xi covered her eyes, leaning back in her chair and laughing softly. “My father cares about me, but only about my grades, my awards, and my achievements. Growing up, he was more concerned about my studies, constantly arranging new tutors for me.”

“Fang Zhou, sometimes I envy you for having a sister and good friends.”

Her voice turned somber. “I’m someone who never had a childhood, never experienced parental love.”

Fang Zhou, feeling a mix of sympathy and understanding, realized that beneath Han Xi’s tough exterior was someone deeply scarred by her past.